Bad breath, or halitosis, can have many causes. It may be as simple as having eaten strong-smelling foods like garlic or onions. Some foods, such as fish, release chemicals that cause bad breath. To get rid of bad breath, here are a few tips.

Brush and floss your teeth regularly

Brushing and flossing properly is essential for maintaining fresh breath and good oral health. Not only does brushing remove plaque and food particles from your mouth, but it also stimulates your salivary glands, which produce saliva to wash away food debris and keep your mouth moist and comfortable. Without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can build up and cause unpleasant odors in your mouth. It is recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice per day, preferably once in the morning and again in the evening before bed. It is also recommended that you use a soft-bristled brush that is in good condition and clean all the surfaces of your teeth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces of the teeth. Also, remember to brush your tongue to remove odor-causing bacteria. 

Replace your toothbrush every three months

You should replace your toothbrush approximately every three to four months. If your toothbrush bristles start to be worn or frayed, you should replace them sooner. The lifespan of your toothbrush can vary depending on how often you use it and how well you take care of it. Keep in mind that if you have an electric toothbrush, you should replace the heads more frequently than a traditional one. Electric toothbrushes are designed to give you a better clean. They remove more plaque than a manual toothbrush, and they make it easier to reach those hard to reach areas in your mouth.

Visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings

Going to the dentist for regular cleanings and checkups will help to prevent a lot of problems like bad breath. During your visits, your dentist will perform an oral exam and check your mouth for any abnormalities. If any problems are discovered during your checkup, your dentist will recommend treatments to help solve those problems. Some of these treatments for cavities and gum disease include fillings, fluoride treatments, root canals, deep cleanings, and more. It’s important to get these treatments done as soon as possible to avoid complicated procedures in the future.

Scheduling a dentist appointment is an important step to maintaining good oral health and preventing problems like bad breath from developing in the first place.

Keep your dentures clean

Your dentures are delicate and need to be taken care of properly. Make sure to brush them daily with a denture cleaner and a soft-bristled toothbrush. You should also remove your dentures at night and clean them with a cleanser. Make sure you rinse your dentures after each meal. This will remove bacteria and food debris from your mouth and prevent bad breath.

Take care of your diet

Adjusting your diet can also improve your oral health. If you frequently eat foods that are high in sugar or starch or drink sugary beverages, the bacteria that live in your mouth will feed on the sugar and produce acid as a byproduct. This can result in bad breath, tooth decay, and even gum disease. Be sure to limit the amount of sugar and starchy foods in your diet. 

Call Alta View Dental in Sandy, UT, 84094, at (801) 572-4261 to know more about our dental treatments. Our team will work with you and create a customized plan to meet your individual needs.